Publisher's Synopsis
From the Preface:
A CONCISE, synthetical exposition of the structure of the Sanskrit Language has been the object aimed at in the preparation of this brief manual. If I have tried to reconcile with the limited compass of the book rather more fullness of detail and stringency of method than might seem accordant with the general plan of the series of which it forms a part, it is because I have constantly had in view the fact that a large body of students take up Sanskrit mainly on account of the important relation it sustains to Indo-European philology, while all have an interest in that relation; and because I was not satisfied to leave the learner with a mere surface introduction into a language, of which no fruitful knowledge can be acquired except through the means of a nice analysis of its structure. It has been my constant endeavour not to sacrifice clearness for detail; and different types have been used to indicate to the learner what may be safely left out, or left for reference only, at a first reading.
With regard to authority and general principle, I have relied more on the invaluable grammar of Professor W. D. Whitney, my former teacher, than on any other used by me in the preparation of this manual; and I trust that my independent treatment of various topics shall not render it difficult for the student to pass over to that work when he desires to extend his studies.
Considerations of a wholly practical nature have argued some reserve with reference to the latest revolutionizing theories about the historical relation between the vowels. As long as those theories, still in a state of evolution, have not been applied in any standard lexical or grammatical work on the language, it would certainly be precocious to do so in a beginner's manual, one of whose objects it must be to introduce the learner to such works. The old theories are therefore, in accordance with universal practice, on the whole retained, the modern ones being briefly referred to, however, in proper places (cf. 28. note 1, 33. note, etc.). Only that part of the modern argument which concerns the unquestioned antecedency of "ar" and "al" as to "r" and I, being applied in two of our leading dictionaries and admitting of some practical advantages in the formulation of rules, is here, contrary to the usual practice of Sanskrit grammars, accepted.
Where, for the rest, in the mode of presenting the subject - matter - as in the treatment of Sandhi-laws, of nominal compounds, of anomalous verbs, in the declensional arrangement, etc. - I have departed more or less from the methods followed in other grammars, I hope it has been done to the benefit of those who are to use this book. It should be mentioned in this connection that I have completed the synopsis of root-verbs, 314, by adding such forms as are found in Lanman's Sanskrit Reader, and which are there based on Whitney's forthcoming collection of all authenticated verb-forms.
That my methods of exposition should in all respects meet with approval, I am not sanguine enough to hope; and that graver defects than those occasioned by the limited compass of the book can be pointed out, I am well aware."
